Here and Now: Inspiring Stories of Cancer Survivors [Paperback]

Elena Dorfman (Author), Heidi Schultz Adams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2001

Facing cancer is a life-changing event, one that prompts soul-searching and a reevaluation of all that one holds to be true. In the years following their own cancer treatments, authors Elena Dorfman and Heidi Schultz Adams were left wondering, What difference has cancer made in other people's lives? What does it mean to survive a life-threatening illness? In Here and Now, Dorfman and Adams offer photographic portraits and personal stories of 38 people -- of all ages and from all walks of life -- who have confronted cancer at some point in their lives. Their stories explore both the universal questions raised by a cancer diagnosis, and how their unique answers to those questions shaped each survivor into who they are today. Here and Now is a beautiful volume that will provide comfort and insight to everyone from the recently diagnosed to the 20-year survivor, eloquently demonstrating how seemingly insurmountable adversity can bring forth surprising courage and strength, both in us and those around us.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The theory behind support groups is that sharing your experiences with others who have "been there" is mutually beneficial. Here & Now is a collection of narratives from men, women, and children of various ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds (including well-known actors, authors, and musicians) who describe their cancers and the ways they coped (or didn't) with a life-altering diagnosis. The authors (a photographer/author and a writer, respectively) are both cancer survivors. The portraits are unflinchingly direct, from the graphic descriptions of the cancers themselves (from breast cancer to leukemia to rhabdomyosarcoma) to the straightforward reactions to it: "I sold mugs that said, `Fuck Cancer.' " Many discuss complementary and alternative therapies, being in denial and being in control, wanting a better life and not fearing death. The narratives are mostly upbeat; lots are downright scary ("I had to have my ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and bladder removed"). For some cancer survivors (or "graduates"), this may be just too much. Others will find intriguing information, especially the options some people chose. There are similar books from breast cancer patients (e.g., Barbara Delinsky's Uplift), but this title is rare for its inclusion of so many forms of the disease. Libraries should certainly acquire. Bette-Lee Fox, "Library Journal"
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A feisty, visceral knockout of a collection. ... not a book about facing death but about being fully, achingly alive." -- —O, The Oprah Magazine

"Here & Now will inspire the many people with a history of cancer." -- —LANCE ARMSTRONG, founder, Lance Armstrong Foundation

"If ever there was a book that put a face on cancer, this is it!" -- -Cheryl Willis, Health Reporter, NY1 News, www.ny1.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 242 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; 1 edition (December 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569246033
• ISBN-13: 978-1569246030
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #804,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for Cancer Survivors, May 20, 2002

By 

"lulajenn" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Here and Now: Inspiring Stories of Cancer Survivors (Paperback)

This book is a collection of uplifting stories about the strength of the human spirit. From the introduction to the last account, I couldn't put the book down--it's something that has to be read in one sitting. And, I am not a cancer survivor, just someone who enjoys good writing and thought-provoking subjects. This book will make you think and stay with you for a long time.

The photography, as well, is incredibly good.

Read it and pass it on to everyone you know!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This book makes me not want to live, February 17, 2008

By 

Miriam Rabinowitz "myriumm" (Los Angeles, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Here and Now: Inspiring Stories of Cancer Survivors (Paperback)

I am a patient currently going through treatment for stage 4 Lymphoma, and this book was SOOOOOOOO depressing. Yes, it tells it like it is, and sometimes you don't need to hear that. And if that's what the book is about it, it shouldn't be listed as "inspiring", because the only thing it inspires me to do is give up the little hope I have. My copy is holding a lovely spot in the trash.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Telling It Like It Is., October 1, 2003

By 

Raymond L. Elliott Jr (Bethesda, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Here and Now: Inspiring Stories of Cancer Survivors (Paperback)

I am a cancer survivor and a personal coach for cancer survivors ([e-mail]). I have recommended this book to all of my clients. The stories tell it like it is: the good, bad and ugly. It's so important for current cancer patients to see the possibilites through the angst of having cancer and cancer survivors to have examples of the various tribulations and exhilaration of "cancer after life." cancer (little "c") is what you have, not who you are. I thank the authors for this beautiful and powerful evidence of the human spirit.